Omicron variant confirmed in 23 countries: WHO chief

Tedros said that WHO is learning more all the time about Omicron, but there`s still more to learn about its effect on transmission, the severity of disease, and the effectiveness of tests, therapeutics and vaccines.

Geneva: The new Omicron coronavirus variant has been confirmed in 23 countries and their number is expected to rise, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a press briefing here, Tedros said the emergence of the Omicron variant has understandably captured global attention.

"At least 23 countries from five of six WHO regions have now reported cases of Omicron and we expect that number to grow. WHO takes this development extremely seriously," said Tedros during a press conference.